High demand for tropical fruits and the rise in production and marketing have made pineapples the sixth most exported product and the second most exported fruit in Panama, after bananas.
According to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI) the value achieved in pineapple exports for 2011 was of USD 31.6 million. This year´s expectations are positive and it is expected that the increase in the export business will continue and exceed forecasts.
What are the reasons that caused the boom in production?
Richard Barnett, from the Directorate General for Export of MICI, said that one of the main reasons that has made this fruit so attractive in the market is that it is produced throughout the year, unlike other fruit such like melons and watermelons, which have harvest seasons.
In addition, the climate in Panama is favourable for the product. Costa Rica is considered one of the largest pineapple producers, with some 55,000 hectares for cultivation, but unlike Panama, Costa Ricans do not count with an excellent climate.
Storms, hurricanes and cold fronts affect crops in the country, causing spontaneous outcrops (the fruit is green and after two or three days it´s ripe due to climate effects) forcing producers to leave the product, often at a loss.
Markets
Pineapples have their largest sales market in European countries, 70% of exports are sent to those destinations. After that market the U.S. follows, where 30% of the Panamanian product arrives. Another strong market for the sale this fruit is the Caribbean.
The sale prices on export vary and range from USD5.00 to USD5.50 per case, regardless of the pineapple's size, since each country has its demands.
Europeans prefer smaller fruit, but this does not affect the price of the box. Boxes are classified by size. For example in # 10 boxes 10 small pineapples are packed, also in # 6 boxes, and so on.
When the Costa Rican market does not export all of their production, prices for Panamanians improve, i.e. up to USD 6.00 and USD 6.50 per box.
Barnett said that the entry of TPC Panama-United States, pineapples could win more sale points.
Fuente: Padigital